Dark Horse graphic novel solicitations for January 2008
Dark Horse continues their classic collections with Harvey Comics Classics Volume 3: Hot Stuff in TPB and Al Capp’s Complete Shmoo: the Comics Books in hardcover.
‘Course, for those looking for something not so lighthearted and fluffy, Aliens Omnibus Volume 3 is on the way, along with a few new Conan themed books. Some intense manga as well, in the form of MPD-Psycho Volume 4 and Berserk Volume 22.
Read on for more.
Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back TPB
Frame Capture Art Trade Paperback
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The greatest adventure in the galaxy comes to life in this manga-sized adaptation of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, composed of frames taken directly from the movie!
Han Solo braves the icy wastes of Hoth to save his friend, Luke Skywalker crashes into the swamps of Dagobah in search of the last Jedi Master, and Princess Leia falls into the hands of Darth Vader amidst the clouds of Bespin in this legendary tale!
The battle between the cruel Galactic Empire and the ragtag Rebel Alliance reaches its highest pitch yet in this amazing pocket-sized photo comic!
- DarkHorse.com
MPD-Psycho Volume 4 TPB
Trade Paperback- $17.95 (suggested retail)
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Feeling the weight of personal and professional rejection, stylish one-eyed reporter Toguchi embraces his dark side. The horrors he’s both documented and participated in haunt him also, and a “perfect storm” of frustration and anger builds until he resolves to pull off a violent “performance art show” in order to get the widespread attention he feels he deserves. Unfortunately, this involves killing a lot of people, transforming the happy-go-lucky guerrilla journalist into a modern monster. Crazed Toguchi also makes some sensitive information public, enraging Zenitsu, another unbalanced villain with a knack for murder and a resistance to pain. Kazuhiko Amamiya arrives at the scene a little too late, but Amamiya-our favorite multiple personality detective-feels that there’s some hope yet, and he risks his life to negotiate with Toguchi.
* Eiji Otsuka is also the author of The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service.
* Each volume comes shrink-wrapped and carries an 18+ content advisory.
- DarkHorse.com
Empowered Volume 3 TPB
Trade Paperback- $14.95 (suggested retail)
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As if life as an often-struggling superheroine weren’t already hard enough, now costumed crimefighter “Empowered” discovers that another female superhero is ripping off her distress-prone persona-and cashing in, big-time! Even worse, her relationship with live-in boyfriend (and semi-reformed Witless Minion) Thugboy has run afoul of an extremely literal set of “power issues” ! Worse yet, a singularly bloodthirsty and ruthless ninja clan is gunning-no, make that shurikening-for Emp’s best friend and karaoke partner, Ninjette! Can our unlucky but still plucky heroine prevail over all these obstacles as well as the further threats posed by foreign fanfiction outrages, her own supersuit’s attempts to manipulate her self-esteem, and the revelation of (gasp!) her real name?
* “Empowered just may be the best graphic novel I’ve read all year.”
-Devon Sanders, Rack Raids
* Shrink-wrapped to guard impressionable young minds from the awesome naughtiness within! For mature Readers.
- DarkHorse.com
Conan Volume 5: Rogues in the House TPB
Trade Paperback
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The Cimmerian finds himself ensnared in the dark intrigues of a city-state where the powerful will stoop to any depths to keep what they have stolen. When a young, idealistic noble offers Conan a ticket to freedom in exchange for a favor, Conan leaps at the opportunity-and into a labyrinth where he must fight to keep not only his word, but his very life.
A favorite of fans and critics alike, the seminal Conan story “Rogues in the House” first appeared in Weird Tales. Now, writer Timothy Truman and artist Cary Nord bring you the tale of the Red Priest, as you’ve never seen it before.
* Collects Conan #37, 38, 41-44.
- DarkHorse.com
Chronicles of Conan Volume 14: Shadow of the Beast TPB
Trade Paperback- $16.95 (suggested retail)
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Conan faces his most arduous adventure yet as he matches his wits and brawn against the very forces of nature itself-no small task, even for a man who’s done battle with wizards, otherworldly beasts, and ancient gods. But will the strength of steel really be enough against such powers?
All this plus the tenth anniversary story by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, this volume marks the end of an era-collecting the final issues of Roy Thomas’s celebrated run on Conan the Barbarian. Featuring completely re-mastered color, this volume is a must for fans of classic sword and sorcery!
* Collects Conan the Barbarian Issues # 108-115.
- DarkHorse.com
Color of Rage TPB
Trade Paperback- $14.95 (suggested retail)
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Awards: Kazuo Koike, Goseki Kojima: Winner 2002 Harvey Award Best Graphic Album of Previously Published Work for Lone Wolf & Cub,Kazuo Koike, Goseki Kojima: Winner 2002 Harvey Award Best Presentation of Foreign Material for Lone Wolf & Cub,Kazuo Koike, Goseki Kojima: Winner 2001 Harvey Award Best Presentation of Foreign Material for Lone Wolf & Cub,Kazuo Koike, Goseki Kojima: Winner 2001 Eisner Award Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material for Lone Wolf & Cub
Two slaves free themselves from a slave ship, one a Japanese man, the other an African American. After escaping they find themselves on the shore of Edo-era Japan, a society with a strong chaste system, isolated from the world. How will the Japanese people perceive this giant black man, how will they survive? But first things first, how will they get these shackles off their feet?
Fans of Kazuo Koike know how he loves to turn out a sensational samurai-era yarn with a certain sense of chauvinist violence and pulpy sexiness, and Color of Rage is by no means a slacker in these categories. Drafted by pinup artist and mangaka Seisaku Kano, Color of Rage features plenty of action, fighting, blood, sexiness, and more fighting.
* Each issue comes shrink-wrapped and carries an 18+ content advisory.
- DarkHorse.com
Berserk Volume 22
Tankobon- $13.95 (suggested retail)
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The world of Guts, the Black Swordsman, is changing in a hurry. Though a demonic maelstrom has leveled the dreaded Tower of Conviction and ended the reign of terror of its grand inquisitor, Mozgus, peace has not returned to Midland. The Tower’s fall has heralded the unexpected return of Griffith, Guts’s former leader, last seen transformed from a shattered husk into one of the demon lords of the Godhand. But Griffith looks like his old self again-and with his dreams of carving out a kingdom by his own hand still intact. He’s raising a new Band of the Hawk, but this time he’s recruiting from the dark side to fulfill his deadly destiny!
* Each volume comes shrink-wrapped and carries an 18+ content advisory.
* Beginning with volume 13, the Dark Horse editions of Berserk contain material never-before-adapted to anime!
- DarkHorse.com
Apocalypse Nerd TPB
Trade Paperback- $13.95 (suggested retail)
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Software engineer Perry and his friend Gordo are two average suburban guys who just wanted to go camping in North Cascade Mountains near Seattle-but Kim Jung Il had other plans. Now Seattle is a smoldering nuclear wasteland and Perry and Gordo are about to be put to the test in ways they have never imagined. From the mind of acclaimed artist Peter Bagge comes a post-apocalyptic tale which will have you both laughing and gasping in horror!
- DarkHorse.com
Aliens Omnibus Volume 3 TPB
Trade Paperback- $24.95 (suggested retail)
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The old saying “You can’t unbreak an egg” holds true, especially when that egg unleashes an interstellar scourge, the dreaded Alien. But as dangerous and lethal as this species has proven itself time and time again, some men cannot resist the awful gravity of the creatures’ potential when merged with human science . . . and arrogance . . . and lust for power. But the cold contracts of these deals with the Devil also bring out the best in humanity, and the awful crucible of struggle against this interstellar cancer brings man closer to his neighbors . . . and to his God.
Aliens Omnibus Volume 3 collects complete story arcs of Rogue by Ian Edginton and Will Simpson, and Labyrinth by Jim Woodring and Kilian Plunkett, and the acclaimed tale “Salvation,” written by Dave Gibbons and illustrated by the incomparable Mike Mignola.
- DarkHorse.com
Al Capp’s Complete Shmoo: The Comic Books HC
Hardcover- $49.95 (suggested retail)
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First appearing in Al Capp’s “Li’l Abner” comic strip in 1948, the oddly shaped (and happily edible) Shmoo became an overnight phenomenon, spawning an unprecedented merchandising frenzy in the late ’40s and 50s. As part of the Dark Horse Archives series, ALL Shmoo comic book appearances are being collected for the first time ever in a deluxe hardcover edition! In addition to every issue of Shmoo Comics from 1949 and 1950, rare bonus stories, and Shmoo-centric advertisements from yesteryear, Al Capp’s Complete Shmoo: The Comic Books features an introduction and annotations by certified Shmoo-ologist Denis Kitchen. A persistent presence in pop culture, the selfless Shmoo has served humanity for decades - mostly by offering itself as food - but also by entertaining and tickling our funny bones like no other creature can. Treat yourself to these hilarious adventures, featuring Washable Jones, Super Shmoo, Frankenshmoo, Fu Manshmoo and truly a cast of thousands! This archival collection sports a new cover by Peter Poplaski. - Amazon.com
Dark Horse Comics: The First Twenty Years HC
Hardcover- $24.95 (suggested retail)
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Over the course of its two-decade publishing history, Dark Horse has blazed a trail through the comics industry, setting the precedent for creative freedom and creator rights while consistently delivering the most daring and cutting-edge graphic storytelling. Now celebrating our twentieth year, we take a look back at the writers, artists, and characters who have made Dark Horse the international publishing presence its become, and a look ahead at the up-and-coming talents who will influence generations to come. Dark Horse Comics, twenty years down and we’re only getting started! ? A one-of-a-kind collection featuring the industry’s top writers and artists! ? Over 400 beautiful pages!
- DarkHorse.com
Harvey Comics Classics Volume 3: Hot Stuff TPB
Trade Paperback- $19.95 (suggested retail)
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Who’s the hot-headed little devil with a tail as pointed as his personality? It’s Hot Stuff! This adorably mischievous imp has delighted comics fans since the 1950s, and now Dark Horse is proud to present a new collection of over 100 of the funniest (and hottest!) classic Harvey Comics cartoons featuring Hot Stuff and his pals. Harvey Comics Classics Volume 3: Hot Stuff brings back the beautifully imaginative artwork, inspired humor, and long-out-of-print stories featuring the adventures of the sprightly little demon, his pals the Devil Kids, Stumbo the Giant, and other timeless favorites. - Amazon.com